Transcendence Through The Looking Glass

December 20th, 1989 - Harry night

It was late as the moonlight filtered in through his bedroom windows. Harry's bedroom was literally chaos incarnate. Open books littered the floor and vanity table. Harry sat in the middle of the chaos clutching the elder wand. Loki had just taken a trunk in with Death inside into Percival's box. Percival himself had been asleep for a while now. Something that had been helped along by Death's magic. This was the sixth experiment they'd done so far. They had to go back in disguise to buy more of the expensive trunks. So far none had been successful despite Harry's best efforts. 

And believe him he'd worked really hard on this. The charms and runes used on the trunks weren't even taught in school. As it was considered a tradesman craft, which was usually taught by master's to apprentices. Harry was most definitely not a master at anything. Okay Death didn't count.... or did he? Anyway, one could argue that he was at least an apprentice. He did know one thing for sure, his classes would be a breeze when he finally went to school. The spells would be infinitely easy by comparison. Death at one point had told him to start spelling the trunks with the elder wand. As the wand responded more to the caster's wants than to whatever spell was used. So, it was with that in mind that Harry had slaved away on spells for two days. Christmas was drawing ever closer, and Harry hadn't anything to show for it. At least as far as Percival's gifts went. All the others had been wrapped or stuffed in stockings. Harry had picked up extra items on his last shopping trip. That time Death had simply dropped him off and left again. The entity had been busy with something beyond the veil. The lid to Percival's box clicked open and glowed as Death popped out. 

"We may have to spell whatever trunk is used as part of the prison. The trunk held up good for a while, but I noticed that the charms were degrading slowly." Death replied, annoyed. 

"But the magic of the box is siphoned from Percival. So, adding another item that's linked to the box might overstrain him. You said it yourself, that he only had enough magic in his body to keep him alive." Harry said, concernedly.

The last thing he wanted to do was hurt Percival. Or make things worse for the man in general. Harry had already been severely disappointed when there first three experiments had failed. Of course, the first had been determining if someone could survive leaving. Death had been on the inside of one of the trunks. The trunk had been spelled to shrink at the tap of a wand with no magic required. Then Loki tapped it with Percival's wand before stuffing it in his pouch. Then he'd exited the box and then retrieved nothing but debris. If Death hadn't been impossible to kill. The results would've been incredibly devastating. Death was literally crushed to 'death' in the trunk. Loki hadn't been harmed but was rather confused. Despite multiple tries nothing humanoid could leave the box from inside the trunk. Animals could still pass through unharmed. Which was comforting for Loki's safety, but a failure none the less.

Deep down Harry had known that it wouldn't work. That getting Percival out like that would be too easy. Grindelwald the psycho that he was had definitely designed it to be airtight. Nobody was getting out the easy way without the man's consent. But he had to try everything he could for Percival. Percival had given him freedom and later on a family. This was truly priceless to Harry as it was everything that he wanted. 

"Well, we can try a charged ward stone. We can anchor one on the inside and one attached to the outside. If we did that we wouldn't need the magic of the box itself. It would be like it's own closed circuit. And since both Loki and Percival have been exposed to my magic. Any side affects would be small or nothing at all. The issue is whether or not it will prevent the deterioration of the runes and spells? That and we'd have to figure out how long it would take before the stones would need recharging. There's also the problem that Percival if inside the trunk would be unaware of the box. So, if you were to open it and activate it. He might not be aware that you're trying to talk to him." Death replied, thoughtfully.

"What about extra mirrors? The mirror in the box already acts as a medium and a portal for Loki. Why not see if we can twist the runes that allow for communication. To allow for other mirrors to be added in a web or network. We could tag them with alert spells so Percival would be aware of someone 'calling'." Harry said, grimacing.

A frustrated sigh left his lips. Fuck, more research....If Grindelwald was still alive by the time Harry gets Percival out, Harry would kill the man himself.

"That is a good idea we've studied the rune arrays on the box itself over and over. And while not all of them are understandable the basic ones are tweakable. How goes it on the main trunk?" Death asked.

 Harry had set aside one trunk that would be the finished product. So long as they could manage it safely though. Progress was slow because Harry had to learn a new spell or rune array just to customize it. So far, he'd managed to widen the pocket dimension and create a small forest. Death had been instrumental in telling him what was needed. A forest similar to the one surrounding the manor was fully grown. Harry had also managed a small but deep enough natural lake within the trunk. He was currently learning and placing elemental spells. Harry wanted the weather inside the trunk to match the outside weather. So, Percival could look up and see the stars and moon or feel sunlight on his face. Harry had also, at Death's direction, been layering unbreakable wards. On the inside and outside for good measure. 

After having several trunks come back crushed to shreds. Harry was inspired by his unbreakable potion's vials. Had started working on those spells too on top of all the others. He'd been feeling really guilty recently too. Harry had lied to Percival about why he was so tired. He had his own set of eye bags that were decently prominent. He told Percival that he'd been up late working his way through the Peverell Grimoire. Percival never tried to interfere with Harry's familial research. While the man wasn't happy about it in the least. Percival didn't get mad with him for it. Harry currently wasn't enrolled in any schooling. So, learning from a Grimoire is better than nothing at all. That didn't mean that Percival didn't think Harry was rushing it. If only Percival knew just how much Harry was rushing through.

"I've layered it with so many unbreakable charms on the outside and inside that my wrist is killing me. But I've read through the construction spells necessary. And I hope to start building a decent sized cabin. With at least two stories so Percival can have a good amount of room. But I'm going to need at least a five-hour nap. I know you said the more magic I use, the more my magical core can expand. But this is ridiculous, I would put other kids my age to shame." Harry replied, tiredly.

"Good sleep then my little master. I will retrieve some decent sized ward stones and charge them up. I will teach you how to link the wards in the trunk to the stones. We'll do it for another trunk to experiment with. I have a good feeling about this idea. That last one was closer than we've ever been at getting it right. Did you get the other items?" Death asked.  

On his last time in Griffon's alley Harry had purchased several items. Basically everything one would need to outfit a house with. As well as a full wardrobe for Percival to wear. Harry had estimated the sizes from Sirius. As Harry couldn't do the same from Percival. The only thing visible in the mirror was always Percival's face. But they were charmed to resize to accommodate whoever wore them. He even had the elves making copies of the books in the Peverell library. So that at least Percival would have something to do. Once he had the house assembled he'd include charmed cabinets for food. Neither Percival or Loki needed food to sustain themselves in the box. But it would still be nice to give Percival the option. The man mentioned that he missed his tea quite often.

Perhaps he could also ask Death about making a trunk sized vanishing cabinet? Harry doubted that he could get Percival out that way. But it would be easier on Loki if Harry could place items in the trunk for Percival. Sorta like a magical dumbwaiter. And being trunk sized Harry could place large items in without necessarily shrinking them.  

"Yup, everything is ready for placement. We just need a house and a trunk that won't collapse." Harry replied, tiredly.

Death merely nodded as he trudged to the bed. It was the only clear surface in his room at the moment. He didn't even bother to get undressed. Falling on the bed he saw Loki disappear into the box. He blinked sleepily as he watched Hedwig sleep in her nest. Between the next few blinks blackness overtook him.

Severus Snape-Hogwarts Night

Severus Snape was a truly complicated man at heart. Many would claim that he didn't have one at all. But the truth was he protected his heart viciously. Because he was no stranger to how other human beings could hurt a person. His drunk father had made sure to hammer that home at a young age. It was matters of the heart that were keeping his mind racing. Severus was working his way through a tumbler of scotch. In front of him the fire crackled merrily reflecting shadows through the dark room. Lily...his ex-best friend was alive. And didn't that just hurt on more than one level. It was because of her he'd made some questionable choices. Choices that have affected his life every day since then. It was because he wanted to protect her that he'd broken their friendship up. The other Slytherins had made some very dangerous threats about her. The thing about the dark lord was that he always got what he wanted.

And he wanted Severus for his cause. His followers would do anything for the man. Even encouraging their children to do their dirty work for them. So yes, the huge fight wasn't so accidental. The way he felt afterwards was though. He'd gone back on his resolve and tried to apologize to her. But fortunately, or unfortunately, as both were true in this case, she didn't forgive him. But at least she was safe for that brief moment. Severus had eventually capitulated and joined the dark lord. What choice did he really have? As a poor half-blood with no real connections besides Lucius. He had nowhere to run or hide. Nor did he have the funds and other resources necessary to run.

So, Severus stayed in England. Until he once again risked his safety and life to ask the dark lord a favor. To spare Lily Potter's life in the dark lord's quest to kill his prophesized enemy. A wish that he thought the dark lord hadn't honored. Which resulted in his alliance with Dumbledore and the unbreakable bond to protect Harry Potter. Now Harry was missing, and Lily was alive and in jail. If the dark lord ever found out about his treachery, he'd be dead. That is if said dark lord ever returned. And it was all for a promise and a woman who stopped caring about him a long time ago. Because surely if she had cared about Severus, she would've at least told him what happened? Now that Dumbledore was in prison his life was uncertain. The older man was the only reason Severus wasn't sharing a cellblock with Bellatrix. He could run from them both or stay and pretend nothing is amiss. But he didn't see the point of leaving now. Being on the run wasn't as fun as fantasy novels portrayed it to be. His mind wandered back to Lily. Did he dare to go see her? Was it even worth the effort? Would she even care at all for what she'd put him through?

Because of her his life was the way it was. Granted it wasn't all her fault, but she had been the driving force. He'd kept up this farce in honor of her sacrifice. Now that she was alive, he had more questions than answers. But Severus knew one thing for sure. Without Harry the light side didn't have much hope. Dumbledore and Moody were just too old now. And the other members share the one braincell they had between them. With no organization and no proper fighters this fight wouldn't last long. Especially if Dumbledore focused solely on finding Harry. Severus was many things, but he wasn't stupid. He'd be on the winning side, or he'd be dead. And it all depended on the missing Potter child. Dumbledore and the rest seemed to think that Harry would do what was necessary.

But Harry was his own person with his own ideals and thoughts. Wherever he was and whoever he was with would influence him. Harry might not be the compliant weapon that they want him to be. Who's to say Harry won't choose to the dark side or no side? Harry's allegiance was Severus's as well until the boy turned seventeen. He hated that his whole life depended on an impetuous child. But he had no real choice in the matter anymore. He sighed deeply it was going to be a long decade. 

December 21, 1989- Harry

Harry awoke slowly cursing at the yellow rays of torture that streamed through the window. He squeezed his eyes shut again with a groan. He was nearly asleep again when he felt a poke. It was followed by another poke to his face, opening his yes, he glared murder at Death and Loki. Both fuzzballs were on either side of his face. Paws outstretched ready to poke again. Putting the pillow over his head he ignored the menaces. His rebellion was short lived as said annoying rodents decided to tickle him. Which made him squirm right off the edge of the bed. Yelping Harry scrambled up off the floor with a huff. He gave the two amused furballs his best glare.

"What?" Harry snapped.

And it had better be good too! Because he'd had the most pleasant dream about flying. In his dream Percival had been there watching him fly. It had felt so real...but it wasn't because Percival was in that thrice damned box!

"The ward stones are charged and ready to be experiment with. I also set up a time dilated bubble in a pocket dimension. The good news is that it took several years before they needed recharging. Bad news is that it was just a simple experiment. Without the box being a factor in the experiment. The results will always be inaccurate to a certain degree. On the next note I finished outfitting the next experiment trunk. It's bare bones only but it has all the basics that we need. I even messed with the inside to include the variation on adding additional mirror mediums." Death said.

Harry was surprised at the amount Death had accomplished. But then he scowled as he reminded himself Death didn't need to sleep. Furthermore, why hadn't they used a time dilated bubble before? They would've made far more progress with their experiment!

"And why didn't we use the time dilation bubble when we were wasting time growing a fucking forest?" Harry said, growling.

It had taken way too long to grow the woodland in Percival's trunk.

"Youths today have no damn patience whatsoever! Because it's a time bubble little master! You would end up aging at an accelerated rate, as would anyone that stepped into it. Time bubbles come in two different varieties. The first is an accelerated bubble. Which obviously makes time go faster. Then we have the Decelerated time bubble which slows time to a crawl. As I said in order to test how long the ward stone would work. I needed to speed up time to find out what I needed. I'm sure you can't wait to be an adult, but you will have to do it the normal way little master. Besides Time tends to get pissed if mortals fuck up the time space continuum. Especially if you accidentally mess up and end up in a different universe. The time paradoxes alone are a bitch in a half to fix." Death replied.

Harry blinked at the explanation. He really needed to get caught up on his no-maj science studies. Wait does that mean time has an actual entity to represent it much like Death does? And how many multiverses are there exactly? Were there an infinite number of them? Just how many entities like Death existed? Harry shook his head to stop from falling into an endless abyss of questions.

"So where do we want to start? Rune stones or transportation? Because I had an idea about our transportation issue. I'm not really comfortable continuing to risk Loki for our experiments. I know the little guy would do anything for Percival. But I'd still rather not risk him. With you it's different because Death can never die. Anyway, what about turning one of the extra trunks into a vanishing cabinet. It would solve our issue, since the trunks turn into wood chips upon leaving the box. And the inside would be big enough to transport items without shrinking them. It also solves the issue of Loki getting bigger. He can barely make it through the mirror now. Whatever niffler magic he has that lets him squeeze into everything. Is the only thing getting him through now." Harry said, huffing.

"That would limit our experiments. But it also adds more onto our work as well. Your insistence to finish this before Christmas has put a us in major time strain. I personally can't wait to get you into Yule instead. If we do the vanishing cabinet with the extra left-over trunks. I feel like it should wait until later on. And before you protest, we can stock up the trunk as need be. We both need a rest from the none stop magic binge. I can handle the strain well enough, but you are still a child. Your core shouldn't be used this often for such complex spellwork." Death replied, trying to glare.

Said glare just looked adorable on a niffler's face.

"Okay lets do this." 

McMillian Manor - Caspian 

Caspian choked down another growl as he glared at his idiot brother. Archimedes rarely ever asserted himself like this. But when he did the man chose the oddest things to fight over. This was the first time his brother took issue with his personal life. 

"I don't see how any of this is your concern." Caspian, bit out.

"It is! You shouldn't be anywhere near him let alone...." Archimedes started.

"Sirius is a good man! He didn't deserve to be arrested let alone imprisoned illegally! I won't listen to you disparage someone that is ten times the man you are!" Caspian huffed angrily.

Merlin, he wanted to strangle his brother, the things he insinuated! 

"Real nice Caspian, our reputation is everything in our society. You yourself know that! You can't just go around fucking your clients and not expect people to talk." Archimedes shouted.

Caspian snapped.

"First, of all what I do in my personal time and with who is my business! I don't criticize your friends or associates. So, what makes you think that you have any right to criticize mine? Secondly, how dare you insinuate that I sleep with all of my clients! I am a professional at my job at all times. Which is more than what can be said for you! You're nothing but a professional lay about. Who mooches off of the family money like the leech you are! Thirdly, Sirius isn't up for discussion any longer. I don't care if you don't like him. He's my friend and you won't be a problem any longer. Fourthly, you've forgotten who's in charge here! You who didn't want the lordship and its responsibilities. I'm the one with the power now and I'd be more than happy to have one less sibling. I only need Ernie to have an heir. So, I would suggest an attitude adjustment. Because even disgraced the Blacks have more power than we do. I will not see our family be dragged through the mud. Just so that you can be a judgmental asshole. This discussion is over I would suggest getting out of my sight!" Caspian yelled.

Caspian almost felt bad by the look on Archimedes face. But damnit he'd basically called Caspian a whore! All because his brother had seen him and Sirius together at the manor. They hadn't been doing anything too intimate. He'd insisted on a slow pace do to his concerns. Caspian wanted to be sure that this was really what Sirius wanted. Caspian had been there with him from prison until now. Caspian understood that he was a source of comfort for Sirius. As well as a new friend for the other man. But was Sirius interested in Caspian because there were feelings? Or was this new romance the result of Sirius clinging to him? Was it because Caspian was the only person to show Sirius any kind of affection?

It was a valid concern since Sirius had nobody else but Harry. Anyway, Archimedes had witnessed them holding hands. Sirius had kissed him on the cheek and had been casually leaning into his side. But apparently that was enough for his brother to jump to conclusions. Going as far as to suggest that this must be a thing Caspian did with all his clients. The two of them had never been particularly close. They were like water and oil they never mixed well. Recently Archimedes had been more confrontational. Caspian suspected it had something to do with the line of inheritance. It was too little too late for Archimedes to make a claim on the lordship. It would literally be over Caspian's dead body. Unless of course Archimedes could prove Caspian unfit. But that was only in cases of mental disorders.

But there was always little Ernie. If something happened, Ernie would be the most eligible for inheritance. And if Archimedes sunk his claws into Ernie, he could manipulate him from the outside. Making Ernie nothing but a figurehead for whatever plot has caused this. The good news is that Ernie isn't very close to his father. His mother Ismerial raised Ernie practically alone. Perhaps it was time to give Ernie his heir ring? Their family didn't usually do that until the heir was thirteen. But he truly worried about what Archimedes was up to. Needless to say, Archimedes had left with a scowl on his face. Leaving Caspian here alone to contemplate what had just happened.

"So did I come at a bad time?" 

Looking up he saw Sirius leaning against the door frame. 

"I guess my face said it all huh. It's just my idiot brother, nothing I can't handle." Caspian replied.

He breathed in willing his face into a more neutral semblance. Something that clearly hadn't gone unnoticed by Sirius.

"Well, you helped me even when I didn't want to talk about it. So, what did Archimedes do that made your face look like a wrathful god?" Sirius asked, crossing the room.

Sirius stopped just in front of Caspian sitting on his desk. If he chose to keep it to himself then it would just be an ugly secret between them. Besides Archimedes was up to something and Sirius deserved to be warned. It was truly unsettling to think his brother might be out to hurt him. But at the same time Caspian had no other motive as to why Archimedes had been so off. He came back to, as Sirius had apparently pushed him back into his chair. Now sitting bracketed on either side by Sirius's legs. The man himself sat patiently waiting for something.

"He...saw us together yesterday and made some...accusations." Caspian said, not looking at Sirius.

"What kinds of accusations? Did he threaten you?" Sirius asked, his voice soft.

"Not in so many words. But he actually had the audacity to ask me if I slept with all of my clients." Caspian said, angrily.

He tried to sound calm, to use his courtroom voice. But even to himself Caspian just sounded sad and hurt. A growl drew his attention back to Sirius. Calloused hands framed his face as those grey eyes bored into his.

"He's an idiot if he thinks that's something you'd do. He doesn't matter Cas at all. He's just an annoyingly jealous asshole. You've done nothing wrong; his issues are his own. You told me the same thing often enough when it comes to my own issues." Sirius said.

Caspian sagged into his hold and practically crushed Sirius into his chest. A soothing hum sounded near his ear as clever fingers carded through his hair. After a few minutes of cuddles his mind cleared enough. To realize that he'd pulled Sirius off his desk and into his lap.

"That can't be all he said to get that kind of reaction." Sirius said, softly.

"He uh, didn't want me to be around you anymore. He started spouting off about how it would damage our family's reputation. That people would start paying attention to my obviously deviant job. That he didn't want Ernie to come around to the manor. He said it was unsafe with ex-convicts here all the time. I snapped and yelled so loud my throat burned. I in so many words threatened to disinherit him entirely. Then I told him how it was going to be. That you were my friend, and you are here to stay Siri. His face was so...shocked...and angry. I almost felt bad before I remembered he'd basically called me a whore. He went from passive aggressive mooch to confrontational jerk. Every little thing has become a battle. The only thing I can think of is that it has something to do with the lordship. Our family is a little different. Once you renounce a lordship you can't just change your mind. The family magic will prevent them from accepting the position. The only way Archimedes can gain control is to prove I'm mentally unfit. Or kill me and use his own son as a figurehead. Or he could simply kill his own son to be the last of the line. If Archimedes becomes the last of our line. He can take the lordship without interference." Caspian replied, bitterly.

"Do you think he'd actually hurt Ernie?" Sirius asked.

"I think there is a great deal of darkness in Archimedes. I know his mother would do everything to protect him. But he's just a boy Siri, he isn't like our independent Harry. If I pull rank and remove Ernie from his custody. I may very well push him down a path that Archimedes won't recover from. I have no solid proof that he's even doing anything. But he's never been like this Siri. If I do nothing, then I may be endangering an innocent child. If I do something and it's untrue then I lose my brother and sister-in-law." Caspian said, shaking his head.

"Cas, you have to do what's right for Ernie and yourself. Why not just talk to Ernie, he's Harry's age right?" Sirius asked.

"Yeah, same age, but they couldn't be further apart in personality. I don't want to burden a child with something like this. It's just so hard to tell what the right way to handle this is." Caspian sighed.

If he was right Ernie would have to be removed from them for his safety. And if he was wrong then Caspian risked destroying a family. As well as destroying any trust Ernie had in him. Perhaps he could just talk to Ernie in a roundabout way. Only voicing enough to try for answers without Ernie knowing what he was digging for. His other option was Ismerial, though she would know instantly what he was trying for.

"Have you had lunch yet? I've discovered this amazing bistro in muggle London." Sirius said.

"That does sound good." Caspian replied.

Which was a shame because Caspian didn't want to move. He had a lapful of a very attractive man. Lips brushed against his ear.

"If I wasn't hungry and determined to not make impulsive decisions. I would let those hands wander." Sirius whispered playfully.

It was then that he remembered where his hands had wandered. They were currently framing Sirius's well-toned ass. Embarrassed, he moved them to Sirius's lower back.

He felt like a naughty teenager that had been caught. Which was just ridiculous as Caspian hadn't felt like that in a long time. Lovers came and went but Sirius was different. He made him feel different.

Harry- 

Harry was slumped up against a tree with a massive headache. He'd long since gave in to the urge to sit down and rest. He'd just finished helping Death construct the cellar. The good news was that they now had the foundation finished by default. One can't build a cellar without a foundation.

They might've had more done, but the rune work and ward stones took time. Not only would they keep the space safe. They were also being tweaked to allow something similar to magic. If Percival wanted to light a fire for instance. All He'd have to do was tap the rune on a fireplace with his wand. The magic stored in the ward stones would then be channeled to the corresponding rune.

Percival had been raised entirely magical. He knew somethings about the no-maj world. But he'd learned those for work. So, cleaning or cooking would be something foreign to him without magic. Another flat stone zoomed past him. Death was in his Thanatos niffler form. The air around him was bitter cold. Harry was under many heating charms as a result. The weather in the trunk could easily pass for spring or summer. With Death's magic saturating the air it felt like winter. The entity was directing building materials with the wave of his paws. It was hard to believe something so small was so powerful. It was so easy sometimes to forget just who Harry cuddled and petted affectionately.

And the best or the strangest thing was that Death was helping. Harry hadn't ordered or demanded Death to help him. He'd just asked for help learning some spells for his project. Death hardly ever interacted with Percival. And yet Death was going all out to help. Honestly Harry thought it was more for him and Loki anyway. Death seemed to care about both of them. It was as surprising as it was touching. But then Harry and Loki were his friends. It was the only thing Harry could think of as to why he'd help Percival. Although if the entity really wanted to help. He could stop talking riddles and just tell Harry how to get Percival out.

They'd had plenty of conversations about it. But Death stood firm saying Harry wasn't ready yet. And Death refused to say any more about it. The only clue he had was that it was specific to Harry. Which told Harry exactly nothing while also driving him absolutely bonkers. Something that seemed to amuse Death greatly. It made Harry feel helpless like he did when he'd been trapped with the Dursley's. Harry hadn't even talked to Percival today. Which was strange as Harry talked to him every day. Percival's disapproval at Harry's project was obvious without words. It stung a little, but Percival didn't know what he'd been up to. Harry knows it's because of his health and wellbeing. It didn't take Sherlock Holmes to realize Harry was exhausted. Part of him knows that he could just take it easy. Even if it passed Christmas Percival wouldn't know the difference. The man wouldn't even know what year it was if Harry hadn't told him. 

But that idea had left a sour taste in his mouth. As well as a sense of failure and disappointment. He wanted his first real Christmas to include Percival too. He couldn't hug the man or get him out. But he could give Percival a home. A home where Percival wouldn't be forgotten and shoved into an attic. Nobody deserved that.